Optometrist Hourly Pay in Danbury, CT: $70.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Danbury, CT runs $70.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,061 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Danbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,237 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Danbury, Connecticut, the optometrist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $70.70. This figure exceeds the national hourly median of $67.60, reflecting the local market's demand for optometric services. Such an hourly rate offers significant potential for part-time optometrists, especially those working three days a week, enabling them to earn a respectable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. For per-diem workers filling in at various settings—ranging from private optometry exam rooms and retail optical chain locations to VA outpatient clinics—hourly rates can vary significantly. With the hourly range stretching from $41.01 at the entry-level to $103.60 for top earners, there are numerous opportunities in Danbury for early-career optometrists as well as those with specialized training.
About the Danbury Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.01 | $328.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.65 | $453.19 |
| Median (P50) | $70.70 | $565.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.16 | $681.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.60 | $828.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Danbury
Based on $70.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.70/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Danbury, CT can expect to earn approximately $147,061 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,843. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Danbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Danbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,828.11 | $12,255 | $147,061 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,696.86 | $7,353 | $88,237 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,131.24 | $4,902 | $58,825 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Danbury) | $70.70 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Danbury, CT earn a median of $147,061 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.59% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.10% below the Connecticut state average of $151,766.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.70/hr = $88,237/year (purchasing power: $81,777).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,061/year (purchasing power: $136,294).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Danbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Danbury grew 18.5% from $57.95/hr (2019) to $68.67/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.80/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Danbury metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Danbury
Exploring the earning potential for a part-time optometrist working 24 hours a week can demonstrate the financial viability of this career path. At a median hourly rate, such a professional could expect to take home around $87,800 annually versus a full-time colleague's income. For per-diem optometrists, particularly those servicing retail chains, standard rates can range from $500 to $800 daily. In contrast, fill-in roles at OD/MD practices might command $700 to $1,200 per day, while those with residency training can bill between $90-$130 hourly at hospital systems. The differences in hourly pay across various employer types—ranging from private practices to large retail chains—factors into the decision-making process for many ODs in Danbury. Negotiating for better hourly rates may involve a trade-off between higher pay without benefits and more modest compensation with health insurance offerings. Understanding the local market dynamics, especially in light of the AOA's guidelines and practice trends, can equip optometrists in Danbury with the tools needed for successful negotiations.
More salary data for Danbury, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Danbury in 2026?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Danbury. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Danbury is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov